Do We Have the Patience for a Deradicalization Program?

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(Photo: Pixabay)

America launched it’s first deradicalization program; ironically, it was at the same time that we’re dealing with the return of ISIS brides. In the last week, the U.S. and the UK have worked to deny such programs to former ISIS brides, some of whom are otherwise willing to go through deradicalization programs.

Britain’s Shamima Begum, one of the ISIS brides, is being stripped of her British citizenship, which in itself has caused an uproar from leading British Muslims including Quilliam’s founder Maajid Nawaz and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

In the U.S., Secretary of State Mike Pompeo put out a first statement denying Hoda Muthana citizenship rights. Hoda Muthana, the other ISIS bride, is reported to have been born in the U.S. months after her father’s Yemeni diplomatic assignment ended, which arguably qualifies her as a U.S. citizen.

Deradicalization is a long game. Current deradicalization programs in Saudia Arabia and Indonesia last up to 10-15 years, after which the individuals are re-integrated into society. However, judging by the refusal to work with radicalized individuals who are in limbo, the real question is whether the U.S. has the patience required to work to deradicalize radicalized individuals.

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The Clarion Project (formerly Clarion Fund) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to educating both policy makers and the public about the growing phenomenon of Islamic and other forms of extremism. The Clarion Project is committed to working towards safeguarding human rights for all peoples.